Air pollution and asthma: clinical studies with sulfuric acid aerosols.

Abstract

Until recently, acid deposition has been widely considered a serious ecological problem but not a threat to human health. The controlled clinical study is an important approach in linking acidic aerosol inhalation with respiratory effects. Asthmatic patients represent a subpopulation most responsive to sulfuric acid aerosols. In a series of studies with asthmatic volunteers, several factors have been identified that may modulate the intensity of the bronchoconstrictor response to inhaled acidic aerosols. We found (1) enhancement of the bronchoconstrictor response during exercise, (2) the more acidic aerosols provoke the greatest changes in lung function, and (3) mitigation of airway responses during sulfuric acid aerosol inhalation caused by high respiratory ammonia concentrations. Additional factors influencing responsiveness await identification.

• Authors: M J Utell, M W Frampton, P E Morrow
• Journal: Allergy proceedings : the official journal of regional and state allergy societies (Allergy Proc) 1991 Nov-Dec Vol. 12 Issue 6 Pg. 385-8 ISSN: 1046-9354 [Print] United States
• PMID: 1794691 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Aerosols
• Sulfuric Acids

Topics

• Adult
• Aerosols
• Aged
• Air Pollution (adverse effects)
• Asthma (physiopathology)
• Bronchoconstriction (drug effects)
• Exercise
• Humans
• Lung Diseases, Obstructive (physiopathology)
• Middle Aged
• Respiratory Mechanics (drug effects)
• Sulfuric Acids (pharmacology)